Business in brief: New Ford mirrors cover blind spots

Starting early next year, Ford Motor Co. will begin installing side-view mirrors on its vehicles that show the blind spots in the outside upper corners.

The Dearborn-based automaker and several industry analysts say they know of no other automaker that currently offers such a feature, although some are considering it and auto parts stores sell small mirrors that focus on blind spots.

Ford says it will put the mirrors on a few Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models to start, eventually making them standard across most of its lineup. It also will offer an optional radar-based blind spot warning system similar to those marketed by other automakers, but with the ability to scan parking lot aisles and warn of oncoming vehicles as a driver backs out of a space.

The additions come from research Ford did on customer wants and needs and is part of its campaign to be more customer focused, said spokesman Alan Hall. The new low-cost mirrors probably won’t add to the sticker price of a car or truck, he said.

– Associated Press

NEW YORK

Seven charged in NYMEX probe

Seven people are charged in a probe of illegal trading at the New York Mercantile Exchange – including a former board member who has pleaded guilty in exchange for five months in jail, authorities said Tuesday.

Steven J. Karvellas pleaded guilty to violating New York’s general business law and tampering with physical evidence. Besides the jail time, he will receive five years of probation and must pay $850,000 in fines and legal costs.

Three other people already have pleaded guilty for participating in fraudulent commodities trading; another three have been arrested and their cases are pending.

Karvellas, who could have gotten up to four years in prison on either of the charges, was scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 9.

– Associated Press

Coeur d’Alene

Employers sign up for annual job fair

More than 75 employers have signed up for the third annual Kootenai County Job Fair on April 16 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene.

The event drew more than 3,000 people in 2006 and ‘07, and organizers including the Idaho Department of Labor and the local chambers of commerce expect the same level of interest this spring.

“Northern Idaho is one of the fastest growing areas of the nation, and the demand for qualified labor is significant,” Vicki Isakson, one of the fair coordinators, said in a statement. “People looking for better careers, just starting out or re-entering the work force will be meeting with businesses offering top-notch opportunities with challenging futures.”

The job fair, from noon to 6 p.m., will be at the fairgrounds at 4056 N. Government Way.